I am a loud and proud New Yorker, I know I hail from one of the greatest states in this country. I will, however, admit when something comes to a close second and fall in the Western Carolina mountains.

Mill Pond at Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, North Carolina

Trail leading to the back end of campus, Banner Elk, North Carolina

Lees-McRae College is a small liberal arts private college nestled in the Appalachian Mountains established in 1900. It has a roughly 1,000 student body and at 4,500 feet high, it is the highest elevated campus on the eastern sea border.

Looking Glass Falls of Pisgah National Forest, Brevard North Carolina

Street art on Main Street, Brevard, North Carolina

Brevard North Carolina is located right at the entrance of Pisgah National Forest but also home to their unique white squirrel population. There are many theories to why these squirrels run around Brevard, one has to do with an overturned carnival truck and an escaped pet mingling with native squirrels

Views from the Sugar Mountain ski slopes during the off season, Sugar Mountain, NC

Cutout from Sugar Mountain's annual Oktoberfest celebration and craft fair.

Sugar Mountain is one of the resort ski areas in Banner Elk, North Carolina. While their season doesn't start until the end of fall, you can still enjoy picturesque views on their slopes before they start blowing snow.

Counter art at the Mast General Store, Valle Crucis, NC

The Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is a staple among tourist in the high country. It sells top brands like Eno, North Face, Kruhl, Patagonia, and True Grit in the classic general store atmosphere. It's the perfect pitstop before you start your autumn adventures on the Blue Ridge.

Spooky scenes from Tweetsie Railroad's annual late night attraction Ghost Train, Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Tweestie Railroad in the classic wild west themed theme park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Normally you can see cowboys and cowgirls roaming the streets, but starting at the end of September workers start decorating for Halloween and in preparation of Tweestie's annual Ghost Train event. The park transforms usually building into a haunted house, a light show, and the iconic train ride gains a new spooky accented twist.

Foliage and mountain views from the Linville Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

View of the historic and popular Grandfather Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must during the fall months, even if you never exit your car at an overlook. Sometimes you just need a windows down, music blasting, Sunday afternoon drive to enjoy all the fall colors.